Corn allergies are rare but can cause severe symptoms such as respiratory issues and anaphylaxis. Testing can be done through an allergy skin test or elimination diet, and it is important to distinguish between corn allergy and intolerance. People with corn allergies must avoid a wide range of products, including corn syrup and cornstarch, and even hypoallergenic products may contain corn. Contact allergies must also be considered, and comprehensive lists of safe products are available online.
People can develop allergies to just about anything, including corn. True corn allergies are relatively rare, but can be extremely debilitating and very problematic, as corn is used in a wide range of products. When someone has a corn allergy, they may develop symptoms from ingesting corn, touching products that contain corn, and inhaling corn pollen or corn particles such as those generated when grinding cornmeal.
The severity of a corn allergy can vary. Many people suffer from contact dermatitis and can develop hives, rashes and eczema from eating corn. Corn allergies can also cause respiratory symptoms such as a runny nose, cough, wheezing, and airway obstruction, as well as gastrointestinal distress. In some cases, the allergy can cause anaphylaxis, a life-threatening condition that occurs in some people with allergies.
Testing for a corn allergy can be done with an allergy skin test or an elimination diet. Realizing that someone is allergic to corn may require extensive testing, because corn is in so many foods that the allergy can be attributed to egg, milk, soy, wheat, and other common allergens before corn is revealed as the culprit. Someone with a corn allergy may also experience false positives in allergy tests for other grains such as wheat, which can further complicate matters.
It is also important to distinguish between corn allergy and corn intolerance. People with a corn allergy experience an immune reaction to corn caused by the body developing antibodies against proteins found in corn. Corn intolerance involves the inability to digest corn, which causes gastrointestinal distress. Over an extended period of time, a person with corn intolerance may develop health problems due to constant irritation of the gastrointestinal tract.
People with corn allergies have a formidable list of foods to avoid. In addition to the obvious corn products like corn tortillas, grits, hominy, and corn muffins, they also need to watch out for corn syrup, a common food additive, along with cornstarch, which is often used as a thickener. Ingredients whose name contains “dex” often also contain corn. Sometimes, avoiding all processed foods is necessary for people with severe corn allergies, because corn is such a ubiquitous ingredient.
Contact allergies also need to be considered. Plastic wrap, many stickers, baby powder and a range of other products contain corn. When these products are handled or used, the proteins can cause contact dermatitis. Even hypoallergenic products may contain corn, because corn allergies are rare, and it’s highly recommended that you read ingredient lists carefully. Drugs may also contain corn, which is used to make coatings, inhaled drug propellants, and other products used in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals.
Several websites contain comprehensive lists of products that are safe for use by people with corn allergies, and allergy specialists can provide more information.
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